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52 Articles

“NEXT SLIDE PLEASE”

Such are the traditions of the printing industry that the first issue of any regular publication you read in the new year will generally have been put together right at the tail end of the previous one and so it is here. So although I’m writing this at the height of the pre-Christmas rush I’ll spare you yet another column looking back on the year nobody wanted and instead try to look forward to better times in the coming months. At which point I should point out that I am in no way qualified in any useful medical or epidemiological capacity but one thing I do feel qualified to comment on is the spirit of those who enjoy tinkering with old cars. And just as society in general has adapted to cope…

“NEXT SLIDE PLEASE”

“NEXT SLIDE PLEASE”

Welcome… “NEXT SLIDE PLEASE” Such are the traditions of the printing industry that the first issue of any regular publication you read in the new year will generally have been put together right at the tail end of the previous one and so it is here. So although I’m writing this at the height of the pre-Christmas rush I’ll spare you yet another column looking back on the year nobody wanted and instead try to look forward to better times in the coming months. At which point I should point out that I am in no way qualified in any useful medical or epidemiological capacity but one thing I do feel qualified to comment on is the spirit of those who enjoy tinkering with old cars. And just as society…

“NEXT SLIDE PLEASE”

CHECK OUT LOADS MORE NEWS AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK PLUGS&LEADS CLASSICS WORTH £18.3bn TO THE UK The value of the historic and classic motoring industry to the UK has been reiterated by new research commissioned by HERO-ERA, organiser of the epic Peking to Paris classic rally, which found the sector turns over £18.3bn a year and employs 113,000 people. The 60-page report, entitled ‘The Economic and Environmental Impact of the Historic and Classic Motor Industry in the UK’, covers the impact of the industry on the economy, jobs, skills, heritage and the environment. It was conducted on behalf of HERO-ERA by Cebr (Centre for Economics and Business Research Ltd) and the findings are separate to those released by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in November. The new report acknowledges and…

CLASSICS WORTH £18.3bn TO THE UK The value of the historic and classic motoring industry to the UK has been reiterated by new research commissioned by HERO-ERA, organiser of the epic Peking to Paris classic rally, which found the sector turns over £18.3bn a year and employs 113,000 people. The 60-page report, entitled ‘The Economic and Environmental Impact of the Historic and Classic Motor Industry in the UK’, covers the impact of the industry on the economy, jobs, skills, heritage and the environment. It was conducted on behalf of HERO-ERA by Cebr (Centre for Economics and Business Research Ltd) and the findings are separate to those released by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in November. The new report acknowledges and utilises some of the FBHVC’s information and the Federation’s chairman, David…

NEW HERITAGE SKILLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

The Association of Heritage Engineers has launched a new project called the Sustainable Skills Initiative, designed to amplify the importance of the amazing hand skills possessed by UK’s heritage businesses and artisans and demonstrate their value to the next generation. To this end the AoHE is putting together a broad spectrum of ‘ambassadors’ from a diverse range of backgrounds willing to spread the word. While the project is officially launched at the AoHE’s ‘Festival of British Engineering’ as a part of Coventry MotoFest and Coventry City of Culture 2021 in June, work is already underway. The ambassadors include Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars TV star and long-time AoHE supporter Drew Pritchard, who started his career as an apprentice has gone on to build up a worldwide antique business. He’s joined by freelance automotive…

NEW HERITAGE SKILLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

NEW HERITAGE SKILLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

CHECK OUT LOADS MORE NEWS AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK NEW HERITAGE SKILLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED The Association of Heritage Engineers has launched a new project called the Sustainable Skills Initiative, designed to amplify the importance of the amazing hand skills possessed by UK’s heritage businesses and artisans and demonstrate their value to the next generation. To this end the AoHE is putting together a broad spectrum of ‘ambassadors’ from a diverse range of backgrounds willing to spread the word. While the project is officially launched at the AoHE’s ‘Festival of British Engineering’ as a part of Coventry MotoFest and Coventry City of Culture 2021 in June, work is already underway. The ambassadors include Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars TV star and long-time AoHE supporter Drew Pritchard, who started his career as an apprentice has…

NEW HERITAGE SKILLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Classic Crossword 181

Clues Across 1 An upgraded 1970s Citroen with a GS engine under the bonnet (3,5) 7 Eclat-based Lotus model (5) 10 Allegros and Maxis, etc (7) 11 _ Runner, classic Plymouth muscle car (4) 12 Which marque gave America the Seville? (8) 13 Coachbuilder that made the Lancia Flaminia Sport (6) 15 Innovative Lancia model made between 1922 and 1931 (6) 18 Ford-badged Grand Cherokee rival (8) 20 Well-known Lada model (4) 22 It’s by no means a soft bit of kit for convertibles! (4-3) 23 Basis for the legendary Cobra (2,3) 24 Mini spin-off (5,3) Clues Down 2 Classic pony car from Ford (7) 3 Limited _ differential, a feature of the Jensen 541S (4) 4 Present-day Volkswagen closely related to the Audi 80, originally (6) 5 Reproduction model (7) 6 What the Italians call a coachbuilder (11) 8 _ Borgward, founder of the eponymous group (4) 9 Replacement…

Classic Crossword 181

DVLA HALTS BLACK AND SILVER PLATES

The law is being changed to prevent any vehicle constructed after January 1, 1980 from being able to display a black and silver number plate, despite being recorded in the DVLA’s historic tax class. Information from the DVLA reported by the FBHVC reveals the previous rule permitting any vehicle over 40 years old and registered in the historic tax class to display an old style black and silver number plate was an “unintended consequence” of the change in the definition of a historic vehicle for vehicle tax exemption purposes in 2015. Previously, all vehicles first registered after January 1, 1973 could only display reflective white and yellow number plates with black characters. Those vehicles with a construction date prior to January 1980 will continue to be able to legally display black and…

DVLA HALTS BLACK AND SILVER PLATES

Classic Crossword 181

Classic Crossword 181 Clues Across 1 An upgraded 1970s Citroen with a GS engine under the bonnet (3,5) 7 Eclat-based Lotus model (5) 10 Allegros and Maxis, etc (7) 11 _ Runner, classic Plymouth muscle car (4) 12 Which marque gave America the Seville? (8) 13 Coachbuilder that made the Lancia Flaminia Sport (6) 15 Innovative Lancia model made between 1922 and 1931 (6) 18 Ford-badged Grand Cherokee rival (8) 20 Well-known Lada model (4) 22 It’s by no means a soft bit of kit for convertibles! (4-3) 23 Basis for the legendary Cobra (2,3) 24 Mini spin-off (5,3) Clues Down 2 Classic pony car from Ford (7) 3 Limited _ differential, a feature of the Jensen 541S (4) 4 Present-day Volkswagen closely related to the Audi 80, originally (6)…

Classic Crossword 181

DVLA HALTS BLACK AND SILVER PLATES

DVLA HALTS BLACK AND SILVER PLATES The law is being changed to prevent any vehicle constructed after January 1, 1980 from being able to display a black and silver number plate, despite being recorded in the DVLA’s historic tax class. Information from the DVLA reported by the FBHVC reveals the previous rule permitting any vehicle over 40 years old and registered in the historic tax class to display an old style black and silver number plate was an “unintended consequence” of the change in the definition of a historic vehicle for vehicle tax exemption purposes in 2015. Previously, all vehicles first registered after January 1, 1973 could only display reflective white and yellow number plates with black characters. Those vehicles with a construction date prior to January 1980 will continue…

DVLA HALTS BLACK AND SILVER PLATES

HAYNES DITCHES PRINT FOR NEW MANUALS

The ubiquitous Haynes Workshop Manual has reached the end of an era, with the publisher confirming it will no longer physically print manuals for new cars in favour of digital content. However, you’ll still be able to buy existing manuals from its extensive back catalogue. Long a staple for the DIY mechanic, the first Haynes Workshop Manual was produced in 1966 and in all around 200 million manuals have been published. Established by John Haynes more than 50 years ago, Haynes Publishing was sold to French firm Infopro Digital earlier this year after its founder’s death in 2019. In a statement, the brand said it was currently in the process of creating an new automotive maintenance and repair product that “will cover around 95 per cent of car makes and models –…

HAYNES DITCHES PRINT FOR NEW MANUALS

MORGAN TO OPEN BICESTER HUB

The Morgan Motor Company is to become the latest resident at Bicester Heritage with the opening of an experiential hub at the former RAF Bicester site in 2021. The Malvern firm will occupy the restored Power House building situated on the original Bicester Heritage development, where it will offer a range of driving experiences for customers and enthusiasts. Morgan owners and fans will be able to book experience driving courses in a dedicated fleet of ‘Bicester specification’ models. This includes the Plus Four and Plus Six, with a 3 Wheeler also being available in 2021. Morgan Experience Bicester will be the first company-operated premises outside of Malvern in the firm’s 111-year history. The announcement of the new premises coincides with major works to Morgan’s existing visitor facilities at its historic factory –…

MORGAN TO OPEN BICESTER HUB

HAYNES DITCHES PRINT FOR NEW MANUALS

HAYNES DITCHES PRINT FOR NEW MANUALS The ubiquitous Haynes Workshop Manual has reached the end of an era, with the publisher confirming it will no longer physically print manuals for new cars in favour of digital content. However, you’ll still be able to buy existing manuals from its extensive back catalogue. Long a staple for the DIY mechanic, the first Haynes Workshop Manual was produced in 1966 and in all around 200 million manuals have been published. Established by John Haynes more than 50 years ago, Haynes Publishing was sold to French firm Infopro Digital earlier this year after its founder’s death in 2019. In a statement, the brand said it was currently in the process of creating an new automotive maintenance and repair product that “will cover around 95…

HAYNES DITCHES PRINT FOR NEW MANUALS

DRIVE IT DAY RALLY PLATES ON SALE

Rally plates are now available for The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ 2021 Drive-It Day, scheduled for April 25. The annual celebration is staged on the Sunday closest to April 23 in tribute to the One Thousand Mile Trial in 1900, when 65 vehicles drove from London to Edinburgh returning to London to prove the viability of the motor car, and sees events and runs take place all over the UK. Drive-It Day 2021 will be the first to be run support of the NSPCC’s Childline service. Small and regular-sized rally plates cost £10 each and include a minimum £5 donation to the NSPCC. Platinum versions in both sizes are also available at £30 each, with a minimum of £20 donated. See www.driveitday.co.uk/shop.…

DRIVE IT DAY RALLY PLATES ON SALE

MORGAN TO OPEN BICESTER HUB

MORGAN TO OPEN BICESTER HUB The Morgan Motor Company is to become the latest resident at Bicester Heritage with the opening of an experiential hub at the former RAF Bicester site in 2021. The Malvern firm will occupy the restored Power House building situated on the original Bicester Heritage development, where it will offer a range of driving experiences for customers and enthusiasts. Morgan owners and fans will be able to book experience driving courses in a dedicated fleet of ‘Bicester specification’ models. This includes the Plus Four and Plus Six, with a 3 Wheeler also being available in 2021. Morgan Experience Bicester will be the first company-operated premises outside of Malvern in the firm’s 111-year history. The announcement of the new premises coincides with major works to Morgan’s existing…

MORGAN TO OPEN BICESTER HUB

DRIVE IT DAY RALLY PLATES ON SALE

DRIVE IT DAY RALLY PLATES ON SALE Rally plates are now available for The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ 2021 Drive-It Day, scheduled for April 25. The annual celebration is staged on the Sunday closest to April 23 in tribute to the One Thousand Mile Trial in 1900, when 65 vehicles drove from London to Edinburgh returning to London to prove the viability of the motor car, and sees events and runs take place all over the UK. Drive-It Day 2021 will be the first to be run support of the NSPCC’s Childline service. Small and regular-sized rally plates cost £10 each and include a minimum £5 donation to the NSPCC. Platinum versions in both sizes are also available at £30 each, with a minimum of £20 donated. See…

DRIVE IT DAY RALLY PLATES ON SALE

1100 CLUB GIVES YOU WINGS

The 1100 Club has put the original BMC factory front wing tooling for the ADO16 range back to work making new panels. The new panels are the culmination of two year’s work, prompted by David Kingerley of Longbridge Motor Spares donating the tooling he’d acquired when taking over spare parts company Earlpart. The club managed to find a traditional engineering firm to painstakingly clean it up and put it back to work, the original intention being to produce the rarer offside wings only. But as the wings are in three parts and part of the tooling produces two of these for both the offside and nearside at the same time, the decision was taken to produce nearside wing tops too. This means pairs of brand-new wings can be offered. The 1100 Club doesn’t…

1100 CLUB GIVES YOU WINGS

EAMA, ONLINE, DECEMBER 5 One advantage of moving sales online is that potential buyers aren’t put off by the winter weather and so it proved for EAMA’s latest sale, with brisk bidding for the eclectic catalogue of bikes and cars. A particular highlight for most of us on CCM was a Cadillac rarity – a 2001 Seville with 4.6-litre V8 and right-hand drive which was hammered away for a provisional £1600. Meanwhile, Mini lover Jeff was more interested in the Mini Clubman which sold for £5500 and MGF-owning Aaron was impressed by the £3800 made by an early N-plated example. Everyone was intrigued by the tidy-looking Mercedes 420SL which was more affordable than usual thanks to Cat C status, selling for £11,000. Star performer of the day was an example of the first M-badged…

1100 CLUB GIVES YOU WINGS

1100 CLUB GIVES YOU WINGS The 1100 Club has put the original BMC factory front wing tooling for the ADO16 range back to work making new panels. The new panels are the culmination of two year’s work, prompted by David Kingerley of Longbridge Motor Spares donating the tooling he’d acquired when taking over spare parts company Earlpart. The club managed to find a traditional engineering firm to painstakingly clean it up and put it back to work, the original intention being to produce the rarer offside wings only. But as the wings are in three parts and part of the tooling produces two of these for both the offside and nearside at the same time, the decision was taken to produce nearside wing tops too. This means pairs of brand-new…

1100 CLUB GIVES YOU WINGS

HISTORICS, ASCOT RACECOURSE, DECEMBER 12

Historics scored its best sale rate of the year as it held its season finale at Ascot Racecourse on December 12. In common with all 2020 Historics auctions, it was once again a live, open-to-the-public affair, with a full-to-capacity, socially distanced auction hall supported by record online bidding. In all, 450 visitors attended the three pre-sale viewing days, with 750 present on auction day. An impressive 192 varied classics were offered, of which 159 sold – a sale rate of 83 per cent and achieving a gross revenue of £4.67m. Although 118 sold in-hall and to phone bidders, 74 went to online bidders – a rate of 43 per cent that further demonstrates how the classic auction world has opened up to those logging on from afar. The headliner was a 1957…

HISTORICS, ASCOT RACECOURSE, DECEMBER 12

AUCTION NEWS EAMA, ONLINE, DECEMBER 5 One advantage of moving sales online is that potential buyers aren’t put off by the winter weather and so it proved for EAMA’s latest sale, with brisk bidding for the eclectic catalogue of bikes and cars. A particular highlight for most of us on CCM was a Cadillac rarity – a 2001 Seville with 4.6-litre V8 and right-hand drive which was hammered away for a provisional £1600. Meanwhile, Mini lover Jeff was more interested in the Mini Clubman which sold for £5500 and MGF-owning Aaron was impressed by the £3800 made by an early N-plated example. Everyone was intrigued by the tidy-looking Mercedes 420SL which was more affordable than usual thanks to Cat C status, selling for £11,000. Star performer of the day was…

TRIUMPH TRs TR2 (1953-1955) As far as volume production cars are concerned, this was the first Triumph TR-series sports car. A modest 8636 were made but it was clearly the beginning of a highly successful recipe. Originality and rarity naturally play a part in values today, as they have for years, so they tend to be some of the most expensive TR models on the market. Another factor in play is the TR2’s eligibility for the historic Mille Miglia event, something that has proven to add a premium to anything sporting. Still, relatively speaking it’s good value. There are few cheaper alternatives if Mille Miglia is your game. Values have been slow and steady for decades, just recently finding a secure footing over £30,000. Ten years ago you could have bought one of the…

HISTORICS, ASCOT RACECOURSE, DECEMBER 12

YOU COULD HAVE BOUGHT… HISTORICS, ASCOT RACECOURSE, DECEMBER 12 Historics scored its best sale rate of the year as it held its season finale at Ascot Racecourse on December 12. In common with all 2020 Historics auctions, it was once again a live, open-to-the-public affair, with a full-to-capacity, socially distanced auction hall supported by record online bidding. In all, 450 visitors attended the three pre-sale viewing days, with 750 present on auction day. An impressive 192 varied classics were offered, of which 159 sold – a sale rate of 83 per cent and achieving a gross revenue of £4.67m. Although 118 sold in-hall and to phone bidders, 74 went to online bidders – a rate of 43 per cent that further demonstrates how the classic auction world has opened up…

HISTORICS, ASCOT RACECOURSE, DECEMBER 12

CONTINENTAL SHIFT

Stepping out of a Bentley Flying Spur recently, I was struck by the thought that whatever you might think about the automotive choices of Premier League footballers, the Volkswagen Group has done a pretty effective job of returning Bentley to the spirit of its glory years. The modern-day Spur is simply unique, its W12 engine providing a savage thrust the equal of pretty much no other large saloon, yet all delivered with impossible levels of refinement which makes you wonder why anybody would ever bother with a cramped, impractical supercar. The general complexity of the modern cars may be light years away from Bentley’s 1950s cars but there is a parallel between the modern-day Spur and the R-Type Continental we have here, since at launch it was quite simply the fastest four-seater…

CONTINENTAL SHIFT

WHEELS IN MOTION

It begins to feel unfair as the day goes on. Both our cars are 1971 models of the 2-litre, four-door, rear-drive saloon car class. Both even display black grilles as a symbol of the updates required of them for the 1970s. But they’re both so clearly different, despite being fundamentally similar. For a while I wonder if it’s because the Volvo is slushing the produce of its single SU carburettor away through an auto box while the Rover is putting that of its twin carbs to good use through four manual speeds. But I soon realise that even if we had a twin-carb 144S here, the conclusion would still be the same. These are two different cars that someone with the same basic requirements will choose between for more nuanced reasons.…

WHEELS IN MOTION

MAKING A SPLASH

Celebrity excess is nothing new, and time has documented the trend well. From trashed hotel rooms to somewhat baser vices, the glitterati has an eye for a perceived good time and one which has often attracted the eyes of the paparazzi. Their cars are no different – it was rare to see a Hillman Minx disgorging a lead actor at Pinewood, or a low-spec Dodge in Hollywood – and Motown never went crazy for the delights of a Nash Metropolitan. But it’s not all Rolls-Royces in swimming pools, however tempting that idea might be – and however true or untrue the original rumour. And while the E-Type required considerably less cash, even it wasn’t the most attainable car of choice for those in the limelight. Some of society’s sweethearts drove classics…

MAKING A SPLASH

MARKET TRENDS Here are not only some great sports cars, but some great investments TRIUMPH TRs TR2 (1953-1955) As far as volume production cars are concerned, this was the first Triumph TR-series sports car. A modest 8636 were made but it was clearly the beginning of a highly successful recipe. Originality and rarity naturally play a part in values today, as they have for years, so they tend to be some of the most expensive TR models on the market. Another factor in play is the TR2’s eligibility for the historic Mille Miglia event, something that has proven to add a premium to anything sporting. Still, relatively speaking it’s good value. There are few cheaper alternatives if Mille Miglia is your game. Values have been slow and steady for decades,…

ROCK ’N’ ROLL YEARS

Had you strolled into any large UK Ford dealership in the mid-1950s you’d have been greeted by a varied range of cars. Through the 1940s Ford had largely served up warmed-over prewar designs that were cheap and basic, but as the next decade continued customers were becoming less willing to simply accept any car in whatever colour was available. This was still an era where a heater or radio were expensive optional extras, yet car buyers were getting demanding and Ford was receiving increased competition from a number of rival manufacturers. Some technical innovation and excitement was required. October 1953 saw the launch of both the thoroughly modern Anglia 100E with monocoque construction and independent front suspension, and in complete contrast the 103E Popular with its already outdated body-on-chassis and transverse leaf…

ROCK ’N’ ROLL YEARS

CONTINENTAL SHIFT

CLASSIC ROAD TEST: BENTLEY R-TYPE CONTINENTAL CONTINENTAL SHIFT We sample what was once the world’s fastest four-seater production saloon. WORDS: PAUL WAGER Stepping out of a Bentley Flying Spur recently, I was struck by the thought that whatever you might think about the automotive choices of Premier League footballers, the Volkswagen Group has done a pretty effective job of returning Bentley to the spirit of its glory years. The modern-day Spur is simply unique, its W12 engine providing a savage thrust the equal of pretty much no other large saloon, yet all delivered with impossible levels of refinement which makes you wonder why anybody would ever bother with a cramped, impractical supercar. The general complexity of the modern cars may be light years away from Bentley’s 1950s cars but there…

CONTINENTAL SHIFT

DATABASE ROVER 75 1998-2005

The Rover 75 is a car which divides opinion. Was it the ultimate expression of the Cool Britannia theme which dominated 1990s fashion by harking back to the 1960s? Was it an overhyped Mondeo alternative with a bit of fake grandeur? But whether you love or hate it, there’s no escaping the fact that it was Britain’s final mass-production saloon engineered by a British manufacturer. It also represented a move away from the Honda tie-up which had come to define Rover in the 1990s. Furthermore, it was a model which proved the mainstay of its maker until bankruptcy forced its closure. And then it continued in several forms in the far East, becoming the Rover 750 and MG 7 ranges, and subsequently underpinning the MG6. The only model truly conceived under BMW…

DATABASE ROVER 75 1998-2005

THE 75 AFTER BMW

THE PHOENIX FOUR Much has been said in the past of the Phoenix Four at the top of MG Rover. But who were they and what was the deal which led to the transfer of MG Rover? The Phoenix Consortium was led by four men: John Towers, Peter Beale, Nick Stephenson and John Edwards. Nominally they paid £10 for Rover, but in truth the company came with a £500m dowry from BMW. This came in the form of a £427m interest free loan and a stock of cars. The reason behind this was simple; BMW was liable for redundancy payments if Rover Group went bankrupt within the first three years of the Phoenix Consortium under UK law. The dowry was intended to ensure that Rover would last at least that long. In truth,…

THE 75 AFTER BMW

WHEELS IN MOTION

TWIN TEST: Volvo 140 v Rover P6 WHEELS IN MOTION As new beginnings for each marque, which one of these 1971 saloon cars has the most original appeal today? WORDS: AARON MCKAY PHOTOGRAPHY: GREGORY EVANS It begins to feel unfair as the day goes on. Both our cars are 1971 models of the 2-litre, four-door, rear-drive saloon car class. Both even display black grilles as a symbol of the updates required of them for the 1970s. But they’re both so clearly different, despite being fundamentally similar. For a while I wonder if it’s because the Volvo is slushing the produce of its single SU carburettor away through an auto box while the Rover is putting that of its twin carbs to good use through four manual speeds. But I soon…

WHEELS IN MOTION

2000s JAGUAR XJ

X350 XJ With the X-Type famously based on the Mondeo platform, the first all-new Jaguar model to break cover in the new century was the 2002 XJ. Development had in fact begun much earlier, with a brief which required dramatically more interior space than the XJ40-based models then still on sale could offer. This in turn required a wheelbase stretch to 3034mm and to avoid weight ballooning as a result, the decision was made to go with lightweight aluminium construction. This was a bold step, with only Audi offering an aluminium saloon at the time, but Ford’s coffers financed the project and the result was a state-of-the-art car which tipped the scales at Mondeo weight yet was saddled with Ford’s idea of what the market wanted a Jaguar to look like. Retro,…

2000s JAGUAR XJ

HIGH MAINTENANCE

By the mid-1990s, Alfa Romeo’s roulette wheel between the jaws of defeat and victory had been spinning almost since the end of the Alfetta era. That car was replaced by the Alfa 90 imported in its most expensive 2.5 Cloverleaf form for about the same money as a BMW 528i – and it didn’t end well. By contrast, the 75 was a return to form once the Twin Spark and 3.0 versions arrived in ’87, and the following year we had the glorious 164 – probably the best saloon Alfa made until the current-day Giulia. The wheel spun again in 1991 with the launch of the Fiat Tipo-based 155. Now, the Tipo was a really good car, so how Alfa managed to cock up the 155 is unclear. But at least…

HIGH MAINTENANCE

MAKING A SPLASH

ROUND UP: CELEBRITY CARS MAKING A SPLASH The lifestyles of the rich and famous have long included the right wheels. We’ve chosen some of our favourite classic examples. WORDS: SAM SKELTON Celebrity excess is nothing new, and time has documented the trend well. From trashed hotel rooms to somewhat baser vices, the glitterati has an eye for a perceived good time and one which has often attracted the eyes of the paparazzi. Their cars are no different – it was rare to see a Hillman Minx disgorging a lead actor at Pinewood, or a low-spec Dodge in Hollywood – and Motown never went crazy for the delights of a Nash Metropolitan. But it’s not all Rolls-Royces in swimming pools, however tempting that idea might be – and however true or…

MAKING A SPLASH

EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution or Evo, as it colloquially became known, first appeared in 1992, with Mitsubishi having to produce significant numbers of road-going versions for World Rally Championship homologation purposes. It sold the entire first batch of 2500 within three days of its launch and, fittingly, kept on evolving the formula: in all, the Evo appeared in ten main guises over a 23-year run until 2015. As a road car, the early Evolutions were relatively unknown outside Japan and until the Evo VI became available through Mitsubishi’s Ralliart dealers in 2000, all Evos were private or grey imports. Soon after the car’s UK arrival, Mitsubishi adopted new World Rally rules meaning the link between the roadgoing cars and their rally counterparts wasn’t so important. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop even more powerful variants…

EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

THE FIVE-SECOND RULE

BMW E46 M3 BMW’s M3 has suffered something of an identity crisis over the years, kicking off as a rough-and-ready road racer in its initial homologation-special appearance as the E30 and then morphing into more of a subtly muscled executive car when it acquired six-pot power in E36 guise. With the launch of the third generation based on the E46 3-Series in 2001, the M3 reverted to type and although it retained a six-cylinder engine it regained something of the frantic nature of the original. With the subtle executive express duties left to the bigger M5, the M3 gained the signature M Power quad exhausts, staggered 18-inch rims and a development of the 3.2-litre S54 engine as used in the ‘Evolution’ model of the E36. Producing 343bhp at a heady 7900rpm, the engine…

THE FIVE-SECOND RULE

TRANSPORTER OF DELIGHT

No coastal scene is complete these days without a line-up of VW-badged camper vans, day vans and even plain old panel vans, all sitting on fancy rims and lowering springs. And the majority of them will be not the air-cooled rear-engined classics but the more modern fifth-generation ‘T5’. The second incarnation of VW’s long-lived load lugger to employ a front-engined layout, the T5 was launched in 2003 and its combination of solid VW build, car-like handling and sheer versatility saw it convert many owners from premium saloons. Rather than an evolution of the preceding T4 model, the T5 was an all-new platform – the 7H in VW speak – which is still found in mildly revised form under the current T6 range. The T4 had represented a big leap forwards from…

TRANSPORTER OF DELIGHT

PRICE GUIDE 1945-1980

Our ‘Condition’ ratings Condition 1 First class, well cared for. Not ‘Concours’ (for which prices are higher). Condition 2 Good condition, with legitimate MoT and on the road. May require some work. Condition 3 In need of work, usually major. POST 1980 NEXT ISSUE Values and models newly updated for 2021! IMPORTANT NOTES 1 The Classic Car Mart Price Guide is compiled by reference to a wide variety of sources, including clubs, auction results and advertisements, both printed and online. It is impossible for anyone to accurately value a specific vehicle without first examining the car. 2 These listings are intended to provide a useful guide only. Asking prices can vary widely between different examples of the same model. The optimism of the seller can be a major factor. 3 Our figures relate to private sales. Dealer prices and values for insurance purposes…

PRICE GUIDE 1945-1980

ROCK ’N’ ROLL YEARS

BUYING GUIDE: 1950s FORDS ROCK ’N’ ROLL YEARS The British Fords built in the 1950s mixed American glamour with traditional construction and a drop of mechanical innovation. Here’s how to ensure you get a great one. WORDS: MIKE RENAUT Had you strolled into any large UK Ford dealership in the mid-1950s you’d have been greeted by a varied range of cars. Through the 1940s Ford had largely served up warmed-over prewar designs that were cheap and basic, but as the next decade continued customers were becoming less willing to simply accept any car in whatever colour was available. This was still an era where a heater or radio were expensive optional extras, yet car buyers were getting demanding and Ford was receiving increased competition from a number of rival manufacturers.…

ROCK ’N’ ROLL YEARS

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TAILGATE OUT OF TIME

Of all the cars I’ve ever parted with (27 at present), there’s only one I really miss to the point where I’d rather like to buy it back. It’s not a car to which I have a great sentimental pull – I miss my Montego, because of what it meant to me, but I don’t find myself idly mulling over how nice it would be to see it back, nor do I find myself browsing the classifieds for similar examples. And the car that inspires such feelings hardly sits well with the car history I have – people are surprised to learn I owned one, let alone that I miss something with a reputation for dullness. It wasn’t even strictly mine. I bought it with this publisher’s money; just £200 was…

TAILGATE OUT OF TIME

DATABASE ROVER 75 1998-2005

THE MARKETPLACE THE CARS THE BEGINNING DATABASE: ROVER 75 (1998-2005) DATABASE ROVER 75 1998-2005 From BMW to Phoenix, the final Rover-developed car suffered from management decisions but has emerged a card-carrying classic. Words: Sam Skelton The Rover 75 is a car which divides opinion. Was it the ultimate expression of the Cool Britannia theme which dominated 1990s fashion by harking back to the 1960s? Was it an overhyped Mondeo alternative with a bit of fake grandeur? But whether you love or hate it, there’s no escaping the fact that it was Britain’s final mass-production saloon engineered by a British manufacturer. It also represented a move away from the Honda tie-up which had come to define Rover in the 1990s. Furthermore, it was a model which proved the mainstay of its maker…

DATABASE ROVER 75 1998-2005

THE 75 AFTER BMW

DATABASE: ROVER 75 (1998-2005)THE CARS THE 75 AFTER BMW THE PHOENIX FOUR Much has been said in the past of the Phoenix Four at the top of MG Rover. But who were they and what was the deal which led to the transfer of MG Rover? The Phoenix Consortium was led by four men: John Towers, Peter Beale, Nick Stephenson and John Edwards. Nominally they paid £10 for Rover, but in truth the company came with a £500m dowry from BMW. This came in the form of a £427m interest free loan and a stock of cars. The reason behind this was simple; BMW was liable for redundancy payments if Rover Group went bankrupt within the first three years of the Phoenix Consortium under UK law. The dowry was intended…

THE 75 AFTER BMW

2000s JAGUAR XJ

MARKET TRENDS 2000s JAGUAR XJ As the new Millennium ticked over, Jaguar was already busy reinventing itself. How have those 21st century XJs fared? Words: Aaron McKay X350 XJ With the X-Type famously based on the Mondeo platform, the first all-new Jaguar model to break cover in the new century was the 2002 XJ. Development had in fact begun much earlier, with a brief which required dramatically more interior space than the XJ40-based models then still on sale could offer. This in turn required a wheelbase stretch to 3034mm and to avoid weight ballooning as a result, the decision was made to go with lightweight aluminium construction. This was a bold step, with only Audi offering an aluminium saloon at the time, but Ford’s coffers financed the project and the…

2000s JAGUAR XJ

HIGH MAINTENANCE

ENDANGERED SPECIES: ALFA ROMEO 156 HIGH MAINTENANCE The Alfa 156 wowed with its good looks, but a poor reputation for reliability and longevity has severely hampered survival rates. Words: Andrew Everett By the mid-1990s, Alfa Romeo’s roulette wheel between the jaws of defeat and victory had been spinning almost since the end of the Alfetta era. That car was replaced by the Alfa 90 imported in its most expensive 2.5 Cloverleaf form for about the same money as a BMW 528i – and it didn’t end well. By contrast, the 75 was a return to form once the Twin Spark and 3.0 versions arrived in ’87, and the following year we had the glorious 164 – probably the best saloon Alfa made until the current-day Giulia. The wheel spun again…

HIGH MAINTENANCE

EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

BUYING GUIDE: MITSUBISHI EVO EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH It excelled in rallying, but the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution makes for a revered road car too. Here’s what to look for. Words: Jeff Ruggles Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution or Evo, as it colloquially became known, first appeared in 1992, with Mitsubishi having to produce significant numbers of road-going versions for World Rally Championship homologation purposes. It sold the entire first batch of 2500 within three days of its launch and, fittingly, kept on evolving the formula: in all, the Evo appeared in ten main guises over a 23-year run until 2015. As a road car, the early Evolutions were relatively unknown outside Japan and until the Evo VI became available through Mitsubishi’s Ralliart dealers in 2000, all Evos were private or grey imports. Soon after…

EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

THE FIVE-SECOND RULE

RETRO RIVALS: BMW M3 v PORSCHE 996 THE FIVE-SECOND RULE The third-generation M3 matched the flagship Porsche to 60mph and had the space for four adults. Is that enough to lift it above the 996 generation today? Words: Paul Wager BMW E46 M3 BMW’s M3 has suffered something of an identity crisis over the years, kicking off as a rough-and-ready road racer in its initial homologation-special appearance as the E30 and then morphing into more of a subtly muscled executive car when it acquired six-pot power in E36 guise. With the launch of the third generation based on the E46 3-Series in 2001, the M3 reverted to type and although it retained a six-cylinder engine it regained something of the frantic nature of the original. With the subtle executive express…

THE FIVE-SECOND RULE

TRANSPORTER OF DELIGHT

LIVING WITH THE VW T5 TRANSPORTER OF DELIGHT Is it a van? Is it a car? The popularity of VW’s T5 suggests it’s a winning combination of both. Words: Paul Wager No coastal scene is complete these days without a line-up of VW-badged camper vans, day vans and even plain old panel vans, all sitting on fancy rims and lowering springs. And the majority of them will be not the air-cooled rear-engined classics but the more modern fifth-generation ‘T5’. The second incarnation of VW’s long-lived load lugger to employ a front-engined layout, the T5 was launched in 2003 and its combination of solid VW build, car-like handling and sheer versatility saw it convert many owners from premium saloons. Rather than an evolution of the preceding T4 model, the T5 was…

TRANSPORTER OF DELIGHT

PRICE GUIDE 1945-1980

PRICE GUIDE 1945-1980 Our ‘Condition’ ratings Condition 1 First class, well cared for. Not ‘Concours’ (for which prices are higher). Condition 2 Good condition, with legitimate MoT and on the road. May require some work. Condition 3 In need of work, usually major. POST 1980 NEXT ISSUE Values and models newly updated for 2021! IMPORTANT NOTES 1 The Classic Car Mart Price Guide is compiled by reference to a wide variety of sources, including clubs, auction results and advertisements, both printed and online. It is impossible for anyone to accurately value a specific vehicle without first examining the car. 2 These listings are intended to provide a useful guide only. Asking prices can vary widely between different examples of the same model. The optimism of the seller can be a…

PRICE GUIDE 1945-1980

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TAILGATE OUT OF TIME

TAILGATE OUT OF TIME Sam Skelton take a moment to pay his respects to a departed Audi. Of all the cars I’ve ever parted with (27 at present), there’s only one I really miss to the point where I’d rather like to buy it back. It’s not a car to which I have a great sentimental pull – I miss my Montego, because of what it meant to me, but I don’t find myself idly mulling over how nice it would be to see it back, nor do I find myself browsing the classifieds for similar examples. And the car that inspires such feelings hardly sits well with the car history I have – people are surprised to learn I owned one, let alone that I miss something with a…

TAILGATE OUT OF TIME

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